When considering home improvement ideas, one that might not come immediately to mind is converting an attic to residential living area or perhaps for an office. After all the attic is pretty much ‘out of sight and out of mind’ for most of us except when it comes time to get down or put away the Christmas lights.

However, although it’s not a mission for the faint of heart, converting an attic into usable space may provide benefits sufficient to justify the investment in time, money and effort. After all, the area is under roof and generally rather wide open, which can provide a lot of flexibility for creative planning.

Nevertheless, there are some things that must be kept in mind when considering this particular home improvement idea. First, and immediately obvious on entering the space, one must be sure that there’s sufficient headroom and lack of obstructions in the space. Older homes are more likely to have usable space in the attic than those built in recent decades. Still, it may be possible to have the roof raised if other considerations justify it. Framing members that obstruct free passage can often be replaced with alternative means of support.

These tasks are well beyond the abilities of almost all ‘do it yourselfers’, however, and will require the services of at least a qualified contractor, and possibly an engineer. Before getting too far into the planning of converting an attic, it might be best to call in a qualified person even if there are no headroom or obstruction issues.

One critical consideration is whether or not the floor in the attic is capable of supporting the weight of furniture and people. Many contractors, especially in the days before routine civil inspection of new construction, tended to use the least expensive materials that would do the job without regard for future possibilities. In the case of the attic, the supports would have been intended merely to hold up the ceiling below.

A contractor or engineer will be familiar with both the practical and legal suitability of a given structure. In most, if not all jurisdictions, an undertaking of the magnitude of converting an attic will bring the attention of the building inspector, who will have to issue necessary permits for the work. Some building inspectors will be willing to come out and assess the suitability of the space for renovation. Others will not care to venture any such opinion, and will limit themselves to approving the written plans submitted by an engineer, contractor or even the homeowner. Of course, once construction begins the building inspector will in fact inspect the progress and suitability of the work as it goes along. Although this may seem a nuisance, it’s far preferable to having a calamity occur.

Whether you get advice from a building inspector, a contractor or an engineer, it’s most certainly worth the investment of time and even some money to get professional input before going too far with your home improvement ideas for attic space. It will also be worth your while to spend some time and effort clearing out the space so as to allow access to all of it for your professional. Something that remains hidden from view that you don’t consider significant may actually be of great importance in the assessment of the work that needs to be done.

Of course, while awaiting the initial inspection by a professional, it’s still possible to have some creative enjoyment. In fact, it’s a good idea to have a wish list of the things that you would find desirable for the renovated space. If the professional knows that you intend to use the space as a music studio for your piano practice, or as a space for some indoor gardening, he’ll be able to assess the space appropriately from the start. He can advise you of the limits of what can be accomplished, and allow you to save your creative energy for something more doable.

Converting an attic can provide a wide range of benefits, from increased living space to a significant increase in a home’s value, especially in a desirable neighborhood. It requires more careful forethought and planning than most other projects, though, so proceed carefully right from the start.